Some facts and myths concerning our skin

Some skin-care misconceptions are long-held beliefs passed down for generations, but with help from doctors (and years of research), the truth has at last been separated from the myths, Fox News reports.

1. Squeaky-clean skin is a virtue.

Overzealous face washing, whether more than twice a day or with products that leave your skin as tight as a drum, can actually cause damage, said Dr. Cheryl Karcher, a dermatologist in New York City.

Instead of these, look for gentler cleaning agents, which may be glucose-based or derived from coconut oil. They can take off makeup but still maintain skin’s suppleness. 

2. Botox Can Prevent Wrinkles

Theoretically, yes. But no long-term studies support this claim.

Los Angeles and New York City dermatologist Karyn Grossman advises beginning Botox treatments no earlier than when fine lines first appear, generally in your 30s.

3. Oily Skin Doesn’t Wrinkle as Much as Dry Skin

The research isn’t definitive, but this supposition seems to make sense.

Dr. Ruthie Harper, an internist in Austin, Texas, ties the phenomenon to hormones.

But this is not to say that oil-prone skin doesn’t ever look old. And factors such as sun exposure and smoking speed up the aging process and cause wrinkles, regardless of skin type.

 4. Junk Food Causes Acne

“So far, no studies have shown a direct correlation between junk food and breakouts or acne,” said David Bank, a dermatologist in Mount Kisco, New York.

In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Italian researchers found that drinking more than three glasses of full-fat or skim milk a week could increase the risk of moderate to severe acne in those who are predisposed to flare-ups.

The key, says Harper, is to limit these possible triggers and balance them out with foods and beverages that contain anti-inflammatory benefits, such as green tea, broccoli, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked with a 32 percent decreased risk of acne when eaten at least once a week.

5. For Best Results, Use Skin-Care Products From the Same Line

You don’t need to, said Bank: “Generally this is just clever marketing.”

6. You Can Get Rid of Cellulite

“No cellulite fix is permanent,” Dr. Howard Sobel, a dermatologist in New York City, said.

Some treatments might minimize the look of cellulite, such as creams that contain aminophylline and massaging devices. But these remedies last, at best, a few months.

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